Local SPOTLIGHT: PATRICIO RIVERA, Twelve Thirty Four Flowers

PATRICIO RIVERA: FOUNDER OF TWELVE THIRTY FOUR Flowers

“Go outside… amidst the simple beauty of nature… and know that as long as places like this exist, there will be a comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be.” - Anne Frank.

I came across this quote on Twelve Thirty Four’s website and after sitting down with Patricio, I fully understand how nature and man can bring such harmony.

I recently got to sit down with Patricio to get more insight on where he started and how he achieved this renowned brand that truly brings nature and people together in such a harmonious way. We have so much to share, and if you haven’t heard the name, you have most definitely seen the work. Patricio is such a sweet, honest, and encouraging soul, and we are so blessed to share his story with you all. Here today, Introducing Patricio Rivera, Owner & Creator of Twelve Thirty Four Flowers.

SBC: When did you move to here?

PATRICIO: I moved here when I was 13, and I’m going to be 32, I’ve been here for almost half of my life. I lived in California for about eight years before moving to Texas. I miss California, but being in Texas has been the best thing for my business.

— While Patricio was talking to us about his backstory and where he came from, he really credits the hustle and grind of California for his work ethic. His work ethic truly speaks for itself, Patricio worked for a restauranteur from Food Network as a visual director, and actually, that is where we met some years ago.

SBC: Coming from the fashion industry, how did you connect florals?

PATRICIO: I think true fashion designers make things from passion, no matter how much you pay them, you can never pay them enough. Creative work takes so much out of you. It’s like a piece your soul, and I feel like I’ve been putting that perspective into flowers. When you order flowers from us you’re getting a piece of me, something one of a kind. If someone sees one of my previous florals and goes “Oh I like that,” I’ll tell them we will make something similar but it’s going to be different and it’s going to depend on what is in season. It’s always different, no two arrangements are the same. They know if they hire Twelve Thirty Four Flowers, no one else will have that arrangement.

SBC: You take whoever your client is and you transform that into florals. How does that concept transform?

PATRICIO: Our main question is how can we highlight the client or recipient the best way possible, hopefully better than they can imagine. You know, I love meeting with brides for the first time. It’s kind of like we’re on a first date, and if it clicks it clicks. I never want to force anyone to work with me, because I want them to feel like they’re putting their money in the right place. They understand the value, and when someone gives me full creative freedom, I’ll give a hundred and ten percent, because it’s my work and it matters, it’s who I am.

SBC: Where would you say you draw most of your inspiration from?

PATRICIO: Fashion and the effortless textures that Mother Nature provides. My favorite thing is to be out in nature. I love seeing how effortless nature is, and seeing how it grows and molds itself to whatever is happening in the world. So I want to put a touch of that into the work so it doesn’t feel so contrived and so forced. You know, I’m going on eleven years of working with flowers now, and I feel like after a while flowers speak to you and tell you how they want to be seen by people.

SBC: That’s a really beautiful way to look at it, and to understand that concept is so unique. So with this piece in particular that you brought, talking about colors and it all working together, what was the inspiration behind this one?

PATRICIO: Since we’re moving into fall, I’ve been inspired by jewel tones and light and I love any wild grass moment because it creates dimension with light This piece was inspire by what is coming this next season (fall).

— Patricio continued to discuss this stunning arrangement that is filled with lotus pods from Asia, most of the hydrangea comes from Holland. Making this pieces takes sourcing from all over the world.

SBC: Your brand is one of a kind, truly, in Dallas I don’t ever see florals like this. How have customers responded to your unique brand and the customer experience?

PATRICIO: I feel like the longer I work in florals, more and more people are giving creatives the freedom to do what they do best. The clients I work with the most trust me with their vision. The work I do is always different, so I feel appreciative of mother nature in a different way each time. Clients never know what to expect, it’s always a surprise and that’s exciting for them. Plus the more I work with a client, the more I get to know them, which helps me highlight them as a human, as a family or as a business. “How is this going to fit into your life?” because it’s not about me, it’s me doing you. I pay a lot of attention to my clients, and truthfully they become like my family.

SBC: Clients really do become like family, over time you build that connection with each of them, and truly that’s what all artists want at the end of the day. I know as artists we are always trying to come up with the next best thing, so how do you stay motivated?

PATRICIO: There are certainly times when it is hard to be motivated, but from a young age I felt like I was meant to work with nature. I sometimes I talk about flowers finding me, rather than me finding them. I never pictured working with florals, it just kind of happened. I stay motivated, because every time I feel like that, I remember that I am the bridge that connects people and plants. As people, we move so fast, always thinking “what’s next,” and I love how nature slows that down.

SBC: What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

PATRICIO: Start investing, spend less, and become a millionaire. (both laugh)

— Honestly, I would tell 21-year-old me that as well, hindsight is always 20/20 isn’t it?

SBC: What do you see coming for your brand?
PATRICIO: So many things, some things I can’t discuss yet, but I am collaborating on a project with a variety of artists. This project started during COVID, they are a group of mixed media artists who showcase their work through flowers. Each artist is assigned a flower and they create their own art with it. We’re going to create a gallery that will travel around the world if possible, and it’s going to be a book and a calendar!

Our conversation continued even past the Q&A, I can’t say it enough, Patricio is an individual you can get lost with. When Patricio is not designing arrangements and growing his business, he also carves out time to take care of the younger generation. He has been to school fairs reminding kids that you don’t have to be just one thing, you can take your creativity, run with it, and make it a successful brand. His hope for the future is to build a structure in his business that helps aspiring entrepreneurs and gives them the tools to grow.

One article doesn’t cover all of Patricio’s compassion and drive, so the only obvious choice is to follow him on social media @twelvethirtyfourflowers so that you can continue to see him and his beautiful art on your feed daily.

Xx- Alexandrea Cohen